Plateau Attack: Seven States Evacuate 1,630 Students from UNIJOS
At least seven state governments have evacuated no fewer than 1,630 students from the University of Jos (UNIJOS) following rising security concerns in Plateau State.
On March 29, suspected bandits attacked a popular bar in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North LGA, opening fire sporadically. The incident left at least 28 people dead and several others injured.
The attack sparked widespread outrage on social media and prompted the state government to impose a 48-hour curfew in the affected area.
Joyce Lohya Ramnap, the state commissioner for information, said Governor Caleb Mutfwang condemned the incident, describing it as “barbaric and unprovoked.”
Due to its proximity to the affected community, the management of UNIJOS suspended all examinations scheduled for the week, rescheduling them until after the Easter celebrations. The university also ordered the immediate evacuation of students from its hostels as tensions escalated.
Following this directive, several state governments began evacuating their indigenes from the institution over the past five days.
On Monday, the Delta State Government confirmed the evacuation of 34 students. Sunday Onoriode, the state’s director of protocol, said the move became necessary after the university’s closure.
Similarly, the Lagos State Government announced on Sunday that it had evacuated over 230 students, citing the deteriorating security situation. Mamud Hassan, director of public affairs at the state ministry of tertiary education, said Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu deployed buses with security escorts to ensure their safe return.
More Evacuations
Other states have also taken similar steps.
- Adamawa State evacuated about 120 students under heavy security, according to Humwashi Wonosikou, chief press secretary to Governor Ahmadu Fintiri.
- Cross River State evacuated 37 students, according to Joseph-Kelvin Enyam, special assistant on student affairs to the governor.
- Benue State evacuated 600 students, with Governor Hyacinth Alia stating that the decision was necessary to protect the lives and future of its citizens studying outside the state.
- Bauchi State evacuated 64 students after a distress call from Mohammed Suleiman, president of the National Union of Bauchi State Students, who reported that students were stranded in their hostels.
- Nasarawa State evacuated 545 students three days after the attack, in collaboration with the Nasarawa State Students Association (NASSA).
The mass evacuations highlight growing concerns over student safety as insecurity persists in parts of Plateau State.